Peter Dutton labels Vladimir Putin an ageing dictator who is becoming ‘more irrational’

Dutton, who has become increasingly outspoken on foreign affairs, also made comments on China’s ‘belligerent approach’ to radio station 2GB. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Australia’s defence minister has branded the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, an ageing dictator who is becoming “more and more irrational”.

Peter Dutton also vowed to continue to speak out against China’s “belligerent approach” just hours after the new Chinese ambassador arrived in Australia with a conciliatory message about getting the troubled relationship “back to the right track”.